The New Jersey Devils have started off the 2021-22 season on the right foot. While the team is without Jack Hughes for the next several weeks, the Devils have to take up the next-man-up mentality. And one of those players stepping up in his absence is Andreas Johnsson. Even when Hughes was in the lineup, Johnsson was playing well. Johnsson is having a resurgence this season with the Devils after a tough season last year with the team. But this year he is more comfortable in Lindy Ruff‘s system and it shows with his production on the ice.
Andreas Johnsson Having A Resurgence
The Devils know he can be a productive player in the league. Just look what he did with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now that could have been a product of playing with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. And when he was traded to the Devils, fans expected to see the same player he was in Toronto. Things didn’t pan out for Andreas Johnsson last year, to say the least. In 50 games with the Devils, he recorded 11 points. Well below the pace he had set with the Maple Leafs. Now granted the Devils dealt with COVID-19 last season, and he was one of the players last year that it affected the most.
However, this season Johnsson came into the season with a new attitude. The best way to put a bad season behind you is to start off the next season strong. And that is exactly what is Johnsson is doing. Every game this season with the Devils, Johnsson has been noticeable. Through six games, Johnsson is tied for the team lead with five points (three goals and two assists). His performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday was a reason why the Devils were victorious. Johnsson is shining for the Devils this season and that bodes well for the rest of the season.
Not only has he impressed the fans, but his head coach as well. Lindy Ruff after the first game of the season against Chicago said Johnsson played his best game as a member of the Devils. That was going back to last season. After his performance opening night, Johnsson has made sure to play his best each and every night. And having the right linemates help. Playing alongside Dawson Mercer has helped Johnsson this season. That says something about the play of Mercer. Last season, Johnsson did not have consistent linemates, but as he gets more comfortable and confident on the ice, that will not change.
Continuing Success This Season
The Devils will need Johnsson to have continued success this season. There was a reason why general manager Tom Fitzgerald traded for him. And through the first six games of the season, he is showing why the Devils were high on him. However, Johnsson needs to remain one of the better Devils players this season. He has been consistent every game. Do the Devils expect points every night? No, but they just want him to play the right way and be visible. Johnsson cannot have a night off, or else he could be moving down in the lineup.
With other players on the team underperforming, the Devils will lean on Johnsson to produce and play a 200-foot game that he has done so well to start the season. If Johnsson can do that, look for him to be amongst the Devils point leaders come the end of the season. But for right now, the Devils are liking Johnsson’s game as he is playing the best hockey of his Devils career.
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